Community Corner
Understanding Mental Health and Why it Matters
It's Mental Health Awareness Month! Read more to find out why this is an important month!
This article is courtesy of MPC intern, Bianca Jackson.
Why Mental Health Awareness Month Exists
Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every May with the goal of highlighting the importance of emotional well-being and to reduce the amount of stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental illness isn’t just the absence of mental illness, but also includes how people think, feel, function daily, and cope with their stress.
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Even with how common these challenges are, people still hesitate to talk about them or seek help from others. This month helps to encourage open and honest conversations and reminds people that mental health is important, reminding them that they are not alone.
Common Mental Health Challenges
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Many people experience mental health conditions at some point during their lives. Some of the most common we see are:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Burnout/chronic stress
These challenges can impact sleep, relationships, performance in school or work, and overall physical health. Being able to recognize these symptoms early can help people get the support they need before issues worsen.
The Importance of Early Support
Early intervention can improve mental health outcomes significantly. Some examples of available support might be therapy, medication, changing your lifestyle, or community support systems. Reaching out early can help lead to better coping mechanisms and improve well-being in the long run.
How to Support Mental Health
Supporting mental health doesn’t always mean that major changes need to be made. Small changes can go a long way. Some examples might include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying active
- Practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation, etc.)
- Maintaining social connections
- Seeking a professionals help
It can be scary dealing with mental health challenges. But if you or someone you know feel like you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help because there’s always going to be someone out there who wants to see you succeed.
Resources
Some resources you can reach out to if you feel like you need help are:
- Suicide Lifeline: Dial 988
- 24/7 Crisis line: Dial 1-800-HOPE-135
